A fire broke out at a London police station while police were on duty.
Firefighters are attending Forest Gate police station in Romford Road, Newham, east London.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said in a statement: “15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters are attending to a building fire in Romford Road, Forest Gate.
Bus routes in the area were diverted while crews tackled the fire.
A fire broke out on the roof of the police station.
london fire brigade
Residents near the Forest Gate police station fire have been told by London Fire Brigade to keep their windows closed.
An LFB spokesperson said: “Local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed as the fire is producing a large amount of smoke.”
Buses number 25, 86, 330 and 425 will be diverted.
An eyewitness told MyLondon: ”[The] The fire suddenly broke out at the police station around 4 p.m. and continued to burn for about 40 minutes until firefighters began extinguishing the fire. The whole situation is surreal, I hope everyone is okay.” (sic)
Latest development status
Hundreds of police officers are at the scene in east London.
london fire brigade
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Thirty fire engines and around 175 firefighters are currently battling the blaze in Romford Road, Forest Gate. The roof of the police station is fully ablaze.” said.
“The fire is producing a large amount of smoke and local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
“Roads are closed and people are advised to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing.
“Three of the brigade’s 32 meter rotating ladders and one of the brigade’s 64 meter rotating ladders are on scene. They are being used to extinguish the fire from height.”
A Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson said: “The building has been evacuated.
“There are no known injuries or anyone trapped inside the building. The scene is closed to traffic.”